Delhi Enforces 50% Work-From-Home Rule to Combat Severe Air Pollution Crisis

The Delhi government has mandated a 50% work-from-home policy for all offices. This order takes effect on December 18. The move is a direct response to dangerously high air pollution levels in the national capital.According to PTI, the Labour Department announced the new rule on Tuesday. Officials stated it is part of the ongoing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures. The goal is to reduce vehicular emissions and public movement.

Compensation for Workers and Specific Exemptions

The government also announced financial aid for construction workers. These workers will receive a compensation of ₹10,000 each. This payment offsets financial losses from the GRAP-mandated halt on construction activity.Certain essential services are exempt from the 50% rule. This includes health, police, public transport, and electricity services. Government department heads can also call staff as needed to maintain public service flow.The order applies to all business establishments across Delhi. Schools and colleges will continue a hybrid learning model for most grades. Only students in classes 10 and 12 are exempt and can attend in-person classes.

Political Clash Amidst Public Health Measure

The policy announcement was followed by political protests. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held a demonstration outside the Delhi Secretariat. They accused the government of inaction on the long-standing pollution crisis.Government ministers swiftly criticized the AAP’s protest. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated the current administration is correcting damage done over previous decades. He described the government’s work as treating the pollution “hotspot by hotspot.”The political debate highlights the complexity of Delhi’s annual pollution problem. The immediate focus, however, remains on the public health directive. The 50% work-from-home rule is a key intervention during this severe air quality period.

New York Knicks Capture NBA Cup Title in Gritty Vegas Victory Over Spurs

This 50% work-from-home mandate is a critical step to protect public health in Delhi. The policy seeks to curb pollution sources during a hazardous environmental period. The city’s response underscores the severe impact of the ongoing air quality crisis.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: When does the 50% work-from-home rule start in Delhi?

The rule is officially active from December 18. All offices and business establishments must comply immediately on that date.

Q2: Which workers are getting compensation and why?

Construction workers are eligible for ₹10,000 compensation. This is because the GRAP order has stopped their work for 16 days, causing income loss.

Q3: Are all government offices included in the WFH rule?

Most government offices must follow the 50% rule. However, heads of departments can call staff needed to maintain essential public services without interruption.

Q4: What is the current status of schools and colleges?

Schools and colleges are operating on a hybrid model for classes up to 9 and 11. Only students in classes 10 and 12 are allowed to attend physical classes fully.

Q5: What triggered this government order?

The order was triggered by alarmingly high levels of air pollution in Delhi. It is a measure under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to improve air quality.